Associate Programme Management Officer

Volunteering Programme & Policy Environment

Overview

Support GEF Chemicals and Waste projects in Latin America.

You have:

• Experience with GEF-related projects is an asset.
• Experience working in the UN or other international development organization.
• Excellent oral and written skills.
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work professionally and effectively in a multicultural team.

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

The overall objective of the UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities, and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices, and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals, and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities.

This position will be based within the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Chemicals and Waste Team, Industry and Economy Division, UNEP office based in Brasilia, Brazil. This position will be supervised under the Programme Management Officer within the GEF team. The GEF helps developing countries and those with economies in transition to meet the agreed incremental costs of measures designed to achieve global environmental benefits in six focal areas: biological diversity, climate change, international waters, ozone layer depletion, land degradation and chemicals and waste. As part of its duties, the GEF Chemicals and Waste Unit is in charge of supervising a portfolio of ongoing projects, developing new projects to be submitted to the GEF and assist countries to close finished projects.

Reporting to the Mercury Thematic Lead, the International UN Volunteer Specialist will:

1. Conduct Task Management Support duties including project development, implementation and closure, including terminal reviews, of mercury-related projects in Latin America and the Caribbean: • Hold weekly calls with The Global Opportunity for Long-term Development (GOLD) programme Lead Programme Management Officer. • Hold monthly calls with the project executing agencies (fortnightly for projects at risk); • Obtain, review and clear quarterly project progress and financial reports; • Facilitate the organization of Project Coordination Group meetings of Mid-Sized Projects and Steering Committee meetings of Full-Sized Projects; • Review and approve yearly work plan, budget forecast, procurement plan, and communications plan; • Process extensions of Project Cooperation Agreements and other legal agreements with partners as required; • Facilitate Project Implementation Report (PIR) process for Mid-Sized and Full-Sized Projects; • Assist planet GOLD Programme Lead in the oversight of the programme as requested; • Develop and submit Project Identification Form (PIF) package and coordinate subsequent Project Preparation Phase( PPG) for Global Environment Facility (GEF) projects. • Develop and submit Minamata Initial Assessment and National Action Plans on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) as requested; • Conduct Terminal Review of Enabling Activities; • Support closure of Enabling Activities; • Support development of multi-focal area initiatives and new concepts.

Reporting to the Officer in Charge of the Brazil Country Office, in collaboration with the UNEP Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC), the International UN Volunteer Specialist will:

2. Provide relevant information and data from GEF Chemicals and Waste projects in the region: • Contribute to reports and briefs with GEF chemicals and waste project information, ensuring the dissemination of accurate and up-to-date information. • Facilitate communication and information sharing between the regional and country office and relevant stakeholders. • Assist the development and maintenance of knowledge management products, ensuring that relevant information and best practices are documented and shared within the organization.

3. Provide necessary support to the Brazil Country Office and ROLAC within duties as requested: • Undertake duties as assigned by the Officer in Charge of the UNEP Brazil Office for the effective functioning of the office. • Support the Brazil Country Office and ROLAC in missions, meetings, conferences, and other relevant forums related to chemicals and waste through participation, network and knowledge sharing, relaying information and/or other relevant requests. • Foster collaboration and engagement with key stakeholders, including governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations, youth and other partners, to enhance the impact and sustainability of UNEP chemicals and waste initiatives in the sub-region. • Assist with capacity assessments of local partners and institutions, providing recommendations for strengthening their ability to contribute to chemicals and waste.

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

programme and project management at an international level, or other relevant programmes.

• Experience with GEF-related projects is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization. • Experience evaluating needs, conditions and problems in countries, and in technical cooperation projects in Latin America and the Caribbean. • Experience/knowledge of development agencies, donors, private sector, government and relevant financing institutions. • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills. • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing. • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development. • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), email, and internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment. • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.

Brasilia is located in the country's Midwest region. It was founded in 1960, to serve as the new national capital. Brasília and its metropolitan area were estimated to be Brazil's 3rd most populous city, with 3.055.149 people. Among major Latin American cities, Brasília has the highest GDP per capita. The city has a unique status in Brazil, as it is an administrative division rather than a legal municipality like other cities in Brazil. All three branches of Brazil's federal government are centred in the city: executive, legislative, and judicial. Brasília also hosts 124 foreign embassies. The city's international airport connects it to all other major Brazilian cities and many international destinations and is the third busiest airport in Brazil.

The city's design is divided into numbered blocks as well as sectors for specified activities, such as the Hotel Sector, the Banking Sector and the Embassy Sector.

The city is located at the top of the Brazilian highlands in the country's center-western region, at 1,172 m. The Paranoá Lake is a large artificial lake that was built to increase the amount of water available and to maintain the region's humidity. Brasília has a tropical savanna climate with two distinct seasons: a rainy season from October to April and a dry season from May to September. The average temperature is 22ºC, rising to over 30ºC during the hottest period. The hottest month in Brasilia is September and the coolest month is July.

Brazil security level is moderate. All United Nations personnel must scrupulously comply with UNDSS procedures and recommendations during their assignment in Brazil.

Brasilia is a family duty station and classified A (hardship). The living conditions in Brasilia are good as well as the access to health services.

The accommodation facilities are in general good, and the choice is wide. Rent for small one-bedroom apartments range from 200 USD (unfurnished) to 600 USD (furnished) per month. UN Volunteers are also encouraged to share accommodation.

The UNV Field Unit can assist in booking temporary accommodation for the first nights at UN Volunteer expenses, which can be extended or not at UN Volunteer discretion until getting permanent accommodation. Travelers are advised to carry a supply of the necessary prescription medications. The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory, and evidence of yellow fever vaccine is required (at least ten days before the trip to the area) as well as COVID -19. Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya and yellow fever are transmitted by the same mosquito, Aedes Aegypti. Preventive measures are key. The mosquito feeds mainly at dusk and dawn, indoors, in shaded areas or when the weather is cloudy. Wear long-sleeved clothing, use insect repellents, place windows with screens, keep residences cool with air conditioning and use mosquito nets.

The currency used in Brazil is called Real (BRL). In July 2024, the average exchange rate is 1 USD = 5.5 BRL. Many hotels, restaurants and businesses in Brazil accept the main international debit/credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.). It is also possible to withdraw cash from automatic telling machines found in all the major cities.

To enter Brazil, a valid passport is required. Nationals of other countries may be required an entry visa or long stay visa. They should contact the closest Brazilian representation. For all international travel to Brazil, security clearance must be requested a minimum of 7 days prior to travel. The UN Volunteer will receive a monthly living allowance and other benefits, including medical and life insurance. Specific UN Volunteer entitlements, including insurance coverage, Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA), and Deployment / Repatriation lump sums, among others, are available at https://app.unv.org/calculator . The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org